Did you know that the spatially-distributed impact test—an extension of conventional nano- and micro-impact testing—was pioneered by the applications specialists at Micro Materials Ltd using the NanoTest range of nanomechanical testing platforms?
A new video available on the Micro Materials Ltd YouTube channel provides an applications-focused review of both the micro-impact test and the spatially-distributed impact test technique. The video can be viewed here:
Applications review of micro impact test & spatially-distributed impact test using NanoTest Vantage
The impact testing module on the NanoTest Vantage and NanoTest Xtreme instruments takes advantage of pendulum-based low-load and high-load impact heads to deliver high-energy impacts concentrated into a very small, near-surface sample volume. This enables exceptional sensitivity to coating properties at extremely high strain rates.
User-definable test parameters include:
- accelerating force and distance,
- number of impact cycles,
- impact angle, and
- impact frequency.
Case studies presented in the video highlight application areas that benefit from small-scale impact testing, including:
- PVD hard coatings,
- ceramics, and
- thermal barrier coatings (TBCs).
Nano- and micro-impact testing provide powerful tools for the characterisation of thin films and coatings under very high strain rates and energy densities. The video offers insights into the capabilities of both cyclic and spatially distributed impact testing and demonstrates how these techniques can be applied to materials development for cutting tool coatings and thermal barrier coatings.
An example discussed in one of the case studies mentioned in the video relates to the image shown above, which is is a 200 µm thick columnar thermal barrier coating of gadolinium zirconate (GZO) deposited on a superalloy substrate. Under spatially distributed impact testing, material removal is occurring by cracking across several columns, exactly as is found in erosion testing.
Read more about the nano and micro-impact test capabilities of the NanoTest Vantage and Xtreme instruments here and download your copy of a technical note on the spatially-distributed impact test technique by visiting the Books and Papers section of our Resources area here